System and method for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel

ABSTRACT

A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

This application is a Continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/136,398, filed May 25, 2005, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a system and method for delivering and deploying a medical device within a vessel, more particularly, it relates to a system and method for delivering and deploying an endoluminal therapeutic device within the vasculature of a patient to embolize and occlude aneurysms, particularly cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Walls of the vasculature, particularly arterial walls, may develop areas of pathological dilatation called aneurysms. As is well known, aneurysms have thin, weak walls that are prone to rupturing. Aneurysms can be the result of the vessel wall being weakened by disease, injury or a congenital abnormality. Aneurysms could be found in different parts of the body with the most common being abdominal aortic aneurysms and brain or cerebral aneurysms in the neurovasculature. When the weakened wall of an aneurysm ruptures, it can result in death, especially if it is a cerebral aneurysm that ruptures.

Aneurysms are generally treated by excluding the weakened part of the vessel from the arterial circulation. For treating a cerebral aneurysm, such reinforcement is done in many ways including: (i) surgical clipping, where a metal clip is secured around the base of the aneurysm; (ii) packing the aneurysm with small, flexible wire coils (micro-coils); (iii) using embolic materials to “fill” an aneurysm; (iv) using detachable balloons or coils to occlude the parent vessel that supplies the aneurysm; and (v) intravascular stenting.

Intravascular stents are known in the medical arts for the treatment of vascular stenoses or aneurysms. Stents are prostheses that expand radially or otherwise within a vessel or lumen to provide support against the collapse of the vessel.

In conventional methods of introducing a compressed stent into a vessel and positioning it within in an area of stenosis or an aneurysm, a guiding catheter having a distal tip is percutaneously introduced into the vascular system of a patient. The guiding catheter is advanced within the vessel until its distal tip is proximate the stenosis or aneurysm. A guidewire positioned within an inner lumen of a second, inner catheter and the inner catheter are advanced through the distal end of the guiding catheter. The guidewire is then advanced out of the distal end of the guiding catheter into the vessel until the distal portion of the guidewire carrying the compressed stent is positioned at the point of the lesion within the vessel. Once the compressed stent is located at the lesion, the stent may be released and expanded so that it supports the vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention include a system and method of deploying an occluding device within a vessel. The occluding device can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The occluding device can be used to form a barrier that retains occlusion material such as a well known coil or viscous fluids, such as “ONYX” by Microtherapeutics, within the aneurysm so that introduced material will not escape from within the aneurysm. Also, during deployment, the length of the occluding device can be adjusted in response to friction created between the occluding device and an inner surface of a catheter. When this occurs, the deployed length and circumferential size of the occluding device can be changed as desired by the physician performing the procedure.

An aspect of the present invention includes a system for supporting and deploying an occluding device. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a system for supporting and deploying an occluding device. The system comprises an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly comprises an elongated member including a flexible distal tip portion, a retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member for supporting the occluding device.

A further aspect of the present invention comprises a method of introducing and deploying an occluding device within a vessel. The method includes the steps of introducing an elongated sheath including an introducer sheath carrying a guidewire assembly into a catheter and advancing the guidewire assembly out of the sheath and into the catheter. The method also includes the steps of positioning an end of the catheter proximate an aneurysm, advancing a portion of the guidewire assembly out of the catheter and rotating a portion of the guidewire assembly while deploying the occluding device in the area of the aneurysm.

In another aspect an elongated flexible member supports and deploys an occluding device and the occluding device may be expanded and retracted based on input pressure. For example, air of fluid pressure may be applied to the occluding device via the flexible member to cause the occluding device to expand or retract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross section of an occluding device delivery assembly and occluding device according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a catheter and introducer sheath shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of the introducer sheath of FIG. 2 carrying a guidewire assembly loaded with an occluding device;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the guidewire assembly illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the guidewire assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a second schematic view of the guidewire assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 illustrates the occluding device and a portion of the guidewire assembly positioned outside the catheter, and how a proximal end of the occluding device begins to deploy within a vessel;

FIG. 8 illustrates a step in the method of deploying the occluding device;

FIG. 9 illustrates the deployment of the occluding device according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a guidewire assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the deployed occluding device after having been deployed by the guidewire assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an expanded occluding device that expands responsive to pressure.

FIG. 13 illustrates the occluding device of FIG. 12 after a negative pressure is applied to the occluding device.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of release of the distal end of the occluding device while the proximal end of the occluding device remains attached to the delivery device.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a partially deployed occluding device.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of a partially deployed occluding device.

FIG. 17 illustrates the example of FIG. 16 in which the occluding device is repositioned proximally in the blood vessel.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of an expanded occluding device.

FIG. 19 illustrates the example of FIG. 18 after the occluding device is repositioned within a blood vessel.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the occluding device in a retracted state.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of repositioning the occluding device while the occluding device is retracted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An occluding device delivery assembly having portions with small cross section(s) and which is highly flexible is described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an introducer sheath 10 according to an aspect of the present invention that receives, contains and delivers an occluding device 100 to a flexible micro-catheter 1 for positioning within the vasculature of an individual. The occluding device 100 can include those embodiments disclosed in copending U.S. patent application titled “Flexible Vascular Occluding Device”, U.S. Ser. No. 11/136,395, filed on May 25, 2005, which is expressly hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A distal end 12 of the introducer sheath 10 is sized and configured to be received within a hub 2 of the micro-catheter 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hub 2 can be positioned at the proximal end of the micro-catheter 1 or at another location spaced along the length of the micro-catheter 1. The micro-catheter 1 can be any known micro-catheter that can be introduced and advanced through the vasculature of a patient. In an embodiment, the micro-catheter has an inner diameter of 0.047 inch or less. In another embodiment, the micro-catheter has an inner diameter of about 0.027 inch to about 0.021 inch. In an alternative embodiment, the micro-catheter could have an inner diameter of about 0.025 inch. However, it is contemplated that the micro-catheter 1 can have an inner diameter that is greater than 0.047 inch or less than 0.021 inch. After the introducer sheath 10 is positioned within the catheter hub 2, the occluding device 100 can be advanced from the introducer sheath 10 into the micro-catheter 1 in preparation for deploying the occluding device 100 within the vasculature of the patient.

The micro-catheter 1 may have at least one fluid introduction port 6 located adjacent the hub 2 or at another position along its length. The port 6 is preferably in fluid communication with the distal end of the micro-catheter 1 so that a fluid, e.g., saline, may be passed through the micro-catheter 1 prior to insertion into the vasculature for flushing out air or debris trapped within the micro-catheter 1 and any instruments, such as guidewires, positioned within the micro-catheter 1. The port 6 may also be used to deliver drugs or fluids within the vasculature as desired.

FIG. 3 illustrates the introducer sheath 10, an elongated flexible delivery guidewire assembly 20 that is movable within the introducer sheath 10 and the occluding device 100. As shown, the guidewire assembly 20 and the occluding device 100, carried by the guidewire assembly 20, have not been introduced into the micro-catheter 1. Instead, as illustrated, they are positioned within the introducer sheath 10. The introducer sheath 10 may be made from various thermoplastics, e.g., PTFE, FEP, HDPE, PEEK, etc., which may optionally be lined on the inner surface of the sheath or an adjacent surface with a hydrophilic material such as PVP or some other plastic coating. Additionally, either surface may be coated with various combinations of different materials, depending upon the desired results.

The introducer sheath 10 may include drainage ports or purge holes (not shown) formed into the wall near the area covering the occluding device 100. There may be a single hole or multiple holes, e.g., three holes, formed into introducer sheath 10. These purge holes allow for fluids, e.g., saline, to readily escape from in between the introducer sheath 10 and the guidewire assembly 20 when purging the sheath prior to positioning the introducer sheath 10 in contact with the catheter hub 2, e.g., to remove trapped air or debris.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guidewire assembly 20 includes an elongated flexible guidewire 21. The flexibility of the guidewire 21 allows the guidewire assembly 20 to bend and conform to the curvature of the vasculature as needed for positional movement of the occluding device 100 within the vasculature. The guidewire 21 may be made of a conventional guidewire material and have a solid cross section. Alternatively, the guidewire 21 can be formed from a hypotube. In either embodiment, the guidewire 21 has a diameter D₅ ranging from about 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch. In an embodiment, the largest diameter of the guidewire 21 is about 0.016 inch. The material used for the guidewire 21 can be any of the known guidewire materials including superelastic metals, e.g., Nitinol. Alternatively, the guidewire 21 can be formed of metals such as stainless steel. Length L₄ of the guidewire can be from about 125 to about 190 cm. In an embodiment, the length L₄ is about 175 cm.

The guidewire assembly 20 can have the same degree of flexion along its entire length. In an alternative embodiment, the guidewire assembly 20 can have longitudinal sections, each with differing degrees of flexion/stiffness. The different degrees of flexions for the guidewire assembly 20 can be created using different materials and/or thicknesses within different longitudinal sections of the guidewire 21. In another embodiment, the flexion of the guidewire 21 can be controlled by spaced cuts (not shown) formed within the delivery guidewire 21. These cuts can be longitudinally and/or circumferentially spaced from each other. The cuts can be formed with precision within the delivery guidewire 21. Different sections of the delivery guidewire 21 can include cuts formed with different spacing and different depths to provide these distinct sections with different amounts of flexion and stiffness. In any of the above embodiments, the guidewire assembly 20 and the guidewire 21 are responsive to torque applied to the guidewire assembly 20 by the operator. As discussed below, the torque applied to the guidewire assembly 20 via the guidewire 21 can be used to release the occluding device 100 from the guidewire assembly 20.

The size and shape of the cuts formed within the delivery guidewire 21 may be controlled so as to provide greater or lesser amounts of flexibility. Because the cuts can be varied in width without changing the depth or overall shape of the cut, the flexibility of the delivery guidewire 21 may be selectively altered without affecting the torsional strength of the delivery guidewire 21. Thus, the flexibility and torsional strength of the delivery guidewire 21 may be selectively and independently altered.

Advantageously, longitudinally adjacent pairs of cuts may be rotated about 90 degrees around the circumference of the delivery guidewire 21 from one another to provide flexure laterally and vertically. However, the cuts may be located at predetermined locations to provide preferential flexure in one or more desired directions. Of course, the cuts could be randomly formed to allow bending (flexion) equally, non-preferentially in all directions or planes. In one embodiment, this could be achieved by circumferentially spacing the cuts.

The flexible delivery guidewire 21 can include any number of sections having the same or differing degrees of flexion. For example, the flexible delivery guidewire 21 could include two or more sections. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the flexible delivery guidewire 21 includes three sections, each having a different diameter. Each section can have a diameter of about 0.003 inch to about 0.025 inch. In an embodiment, the diameter of one or more sections can be about 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch. A first section 22 includes a proximal end 23 that is located opposite the position of the occluding device 100. The first section 22 can have a constant thickness along its length. Alternatively, the first section 22 can have a thickness (diameter) that tapers along its entire length or only a portion of its length. In the tapered embodiment, the thickness (diameter) of the first section 22 decreases in the direction of a second, transition section 24. For those embodiments in which the guidewire 21 has a circular cross section, the thickness is the diameter of the section.

The second, transition section 24 extends between the first section 22 and a third, distal section 26. The second section 24 tapers in thickness from the large diameter of the first section 22 to the smaller diameter of the third section 26. As with the first section 22, the second section 24 can taper along its entire length or only a portion of its length.

The third section 26 has a smaller thickness compared to the other sections 22, 24 of the delivery guidewire 21. The third section 26 extends away from the tapered second section 24 that carries the occluding device 100. The third section 26 can taper along its entire length from the second section 24 to the distal end 27 of the delivery guidewire 21. Alternatively, the third section 26 can have a constant diameter or taper along only a portion of its length. In such an embodiment, the tapering portion of the third section 26 can extend from the second section 24 or a point spaced from the second section 24 to a point spaced from distal end 27 of the delivery guidewire 21. Although three sections of the delivery guidewire 21 are discussed and illustrated, the delivery guidewire 21 can include more than three sections. Additionally, each of these sections can taper in their thickness (diameter) along all or only a portion of their length. In any of the disclosed embodiments, the delivery guidewire 21 can be formed of a shape memory alloy such as Nitinol.

A tip 28 and flexible tip coil 29 are secured to the distal end 27 of the delivery guidewire 21 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The tip 28 can include a continuous end cap or cover as shown in the figures, which securely receives a distal end of the tip coil 29. Flexion control is provided to the distal end portion of the delivery guidewire 21 by the tip coil 29. However, in an embodiment, the tip 28 can be free of the coil 29. The tip 28 has a non-percutaneous, atraumatic end face. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 28 has a rounded face. In alternative embodiments, the tip 28 can have other non-percutaneous shapes that will not injure the vessel in which it is introduced. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tip 28 includes a housing 45 that securely receives the distal end of the guidewire 21 within an opening 46 in the interior surface of the housing 45. The guidewire 21 can be secured within the opening by any known means.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip coil 29 surrounds a portion of the guidewire 21. The tip coil 29 is flexible so that it will conform to and follow the path of a vessel within the patient as the tip 28 is advanced along the vessel and the guidewire 21 bends to follow the tortuous path of the vasculature. The tip coil 29 extends rearward from the tip 28 in the direction of the proximal end 23, as shown.

The tip 28 and coil 29 have an outer diameter D₁ of about 0.010 inch to about 0.018 inch. In an embodiment, their outer diameter D₁ is about 0.014 inch. The tip 28 and coil 29 also have a length L₁ of about 0.1 cm to about 3.0 cm. In an embodiment, they have a total length L₁ of about 1.5 cm.

A proximal end 30 of the tip coil 29 is received within a housing 32 at a distal end 24 of a protective coil 35, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The housing 32 and protective coil 35 have an outer diameter D₂ of about 0.018 inch to about 0.038 inch. In an embodiment, their outer diameter D₂ is about 0.024 inch. The housing 32 and protective coil 35 have a length L₂ of about 0.05 cm to about 0.2 cm. In an embodiment, their total length L₂ is about 0.15 cm.

The housing 32 has a non-percutaneous, atraumatic shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing 32 has a substantially blunt profile. Also, the housing 32 can be sized to open/support the vessel as it passes through it. Additionally, the housing 32 can include angled sidewalls sized to just be spaced just off the inner surface of the introducer sheath 10.

The housing 32 and protective coil 35 form a distal retaining member that maintains the position of the occluding device 100 on the flexible guidewire assembly 20 and helps to hold the occluding device 100 in a compressed state prior to its delivery and deployment within a vessel of the vasculature. The protective coil 35 extends from the housing 32 in the direction of the proximal end 23 of the delivery guidewire 21, as shown in FIG. 4. The protective coil 35 is secured to the housing 32 in any known manner. In a first embodiment, the protective coil 35 can be secured to the outer surface of the housing 32. In an alternative embodiment, the protective coil 35 can be secured within an opening of the housing 32 so that the housing 32 surrounds and internally receives the distal end 51 of the protective coil 35 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 is retained within the proximal end 52 so that the occluding device 100 cannot deploy while positioned in the sheath 10 or the micro-catheter 1.

At the proximal end of the occluding device 100, a bumper coil 60 and cap 62 prevent lateral movement of the occluding device 100 along the length of the guidewire 21 in the direction of the proximal end 23, see FIG. 3. The bumper coil 60 and cap 62 have an outer diameter D₄ of about 0.018 inch to about 0.038 inch. In an embodiment, their outer diameter D₄ is about 0.024 inch. The cap 62 contacts the proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 and prevents it from moving along the length of the guidewire 21 away from the protective coil 35. The bumper coil 60 can be in the form of a spring that contacts and pressures the cap 62 in the direction of the protective coil 35, thereby creating a biasing force against the occluding device 100. This biasing force (pressure) aids in maintaining the secured, covered relationship between the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 and the protective coil 35. As with any of the coils positioned along the delivery guidewire 21, the bumper coil 60 can be secured to the delivery guidewire 21 by soldering, welding, RF welding, glue, and/or other known adhesives.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the bumper coil 60 is not utilized. Instead, a proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 is held in position by a set of spring loaded arms (jaws) 140 while positioned within the introducer sheath 10 or the micro-catheter 1. The inner surfaces of the micro-catheter 1 and the introducer sheath 10 limit the radial expansion of the arms 140. When the proximal end of the occluding device passes out of the micro-catheter 1, the arms 140 would spring open and release the occluding device as shown in FIG. 11.

In another example, the occluding device 100 in the introducer sheath 10 or the micro-catheter 1 may expand within a vessel under pressure. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an expanded occluding device 100 that expands responsive to pressure. Pressure may be applied through the micro-catheter 1 or the introducer sheath 10 as the occluding device 100 passes out of the micro-catheter 1. The pressure may be exerted through application of air, fluid, or any material for increasing the internal pressure of the occluding device. The increase in pressure within the occluding device 100 when the occluding device 100 passes out of the micro-catheter 1 may cause the occluding device to expand within the vessel. Conversely, a negative pressure may be exerted at the occluding device 100. FIG. 13 illustrates the occluding device 100 of FIG. 12 after a negative pressure is applied to the occluding device 100. The negative pressure may be applied via the micro-catheter 1 or the introducer sheath 10 and may cause the occluding device 100 to retract or decrease in size. In one example, a negative pressure is exerted at the occluding device 100 after the occluding device 100 is passed out of the micro-catheter 1 and expanded in the vessel. The negative pressure causes the occluding device 100 to retract. Upon retraction, the occluding device 100 may be reduced in size. In another example, the occluding device 100 may be replaced back into the microcatheter 1 after retraction. The negative pressure may be applied in a variety of ways. For example, the negative pressure may be applied by suction of air from the micro-catheter 1 or by removal or suction of fluid from the micro-catheter 1.

Also, in another example, the occluding device 100 may be expanded, for example, by application of increased pressure within the occluding device. The increased pressure may be administered via the delivery device by, for example, injecting air or fluid via the delivery device to the occluding device 100. The occluding device 100 may thus be expanded in a vessel such that the occluding device 100 may come into contact with the internal aspect of the wall of the vessel. In this way, at least a portion of the occluding device 100, while in the expanded state, may contact the wall of the vessel.

While in the expanded state, the occluding device 100 may be repositioned within the vessel. FIG. 18 illustrates an example of an expanded occluding device 100. FIG. 19 illustrates the example of FIG. 18 after the occluding device is repositioned within a blood vessel. In this example, the occluding device 100 may be expanded in a longitudinal axis along the vessel such that the occluding device 100 may move within the vessel while expanded. Pressure may be exerted by a user at a proximal end of the occluding device 100 such that the proximal end is moved distally within the vessel lumen. At the same time, frictional forces between the wall of the vessel and the more distal portions of the occluding device may prevent immediate movement of the more distal portions of the occluding device. When the pressure or force exerted at the proximal end exceeds a threshold level, the force may be transmitted to the more distal portions of the occluding device to cause the more distal portions of the occluding device to more distally in the lumen of the vessel. In this way, the occluding device may move distally in the vessel lumen and may be repositioned at a desired location within the vessel by the user. FIG. 19 illustrates distal repositioning of the occluding device in a blood vessel.

Similarly, the occluding device may be repositioned more proximally in the vessel lumen by the user. For example, the user may provide a force or pressure at a distal portion of the occluding device in a proximal direction. The distal portion of the occluding device may move proximally while frictional forces between the more proximal portions of the occluding device prevent initial movement of the more proximal portions of the occluding device. Hence, in this example, the occluding device compresses at a portion intermediate between the distal portion and the more proximal portions of the occluding device. When the pressure or force exerted by the user at the distal portion of the occluding device exceeds a threshold level that exceeds the frictional force preventing movement of the more proximal portions of the occluding device, the more proximal portions of the occluding device may move in a proximal direction responsive to the applied pressure or force. In this way, the occluding device may be repositioned proximally in the vessel.

In another example, the occluding device 100 may be repositioned in a blood vessel while the occluding device 100 is in a retracted state. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the occluding device 100 in a retracted state. For example, negative pressure may be exerted at the occluding device 100 of FIG. 12 to cause the occluding device 100 to decrease in size as illustrated in FIG. 20. The occluding device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 20 is retracted and approximates the delivery device. FIG. 21 illustrates an example of repositioning the occluding device 100 while the occluding device is retracted. As FIG. 21 illustrates, the occluding device is moved in a distal direction. Similarly, the occluding device may also be repositioned in a proximal direction (not shown).

Also, deployment of the occluding device may be performed in parts. For example, the occluding device 100 may have a distal end and a proximal end. Deployment of the occluding device may include release of a distal end followed by release of the proximal end of the occluding device. Alternatively, deployment of the occluding device may include release of the proximal end followed by release of the distal end. Also, deployment of the occluding device may include release of the proximal end and the distal end of the occluding device 100 at approximately the same time.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of release of the distal end of the occluding device 100 while the proximal end of the occluding device remains attached to the delivery device. As FIG. 14 shows, the distal end of the occluding device 100 is deployed and abuts the wall of the blood vessel. The proximal end of the occluding device 100 is still attached to the delivery device. Release of the proximal end of the occluding device may be accomplished in a variety of ways as described herein.

In addition, the partially deployed occluding device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 14 may be repositioned in the blood vessel. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a partially deployed occluding device 100 in which the distal end of the occluding device 100 has been released from the delivery device while the proximal end of the delivery device 100 remains attached and non-deployed to the delivery device. In addition, FIG. 15 demonstrates repositioning of the occluding device while partially deployed. As FIG. 15 shows, the delivery device and occluding device 100 has been moved proximally in the blood vessel. Also, FIG. 15 illustrates that the occluding device is partially deployed in the blood vessel such that the distal end of the occluding device is released from the delivery device while the proximal end of the occluding device 100 remains attached to the delivery device.

Alternatively, the proximal end of the occluding device may be released from the delivery device while the distal end of the occluding device remains attached to the delivery device. The distal end of the occluding device may then be deployed or released from the delivery device at a subsequent time. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a partially deployed occluding device 100 in a blood vessel in which the proximal end of the occluding device 100 is released from the delivery device while the distal end of the occluding device remains attached to the delivery device. The proximal end of the occluding device 100 thus approximates the walls of the blood vessel.

FIG. 17 illustrates the example of FIG. 16 in which the occluding device 100 is repositioned proximally in the blood vessel. In this example, the occluding device is partially deployed such that the proximal end of the occluding device 100 is released from the delivery device while the distal end of the occluding device 100 is attached. The occluding device is then moved or repositioned to a more proximal location within the blood vessel. Alternatively, the occluding device may also be moved or repositioned to a more distal location within the blood vessel (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, the bumper coil 60 and cap 62 can be eliminated and the proximal end of the occluding device 100 can be held in position relative to the protective coil 35 by a tapered section of the guidewire 21. In such an embodiment, the enlarged cross section of this tapered section can be used to retain the occluding device 100 in position along the length of the delivery guidewire 21 and prevent movement of the occluding device 100 in the direction of the proximal end 23.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guidewire assembly 20 includes a support 70 for the occluding device 100. In a first embodiment, the support 70 can include an outer surface of the delivery guidewire 21 that is sized to contact the inner surface of the occluding device 100 when the occluding device 100 is loaded on the guidewire assembly 20. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the delivery guidewire 21 supports the occluding device 100 and maintains it in a ready to deploy state. In another embodiment, illustrated in the Figures, the support 70 comprises a mid-coil 70 that extends from a location proximate the protective coil 35 rearward toward the bumper coil 60. The mid-coil 70 extends under the occluding device 100 and over the delivery guidewire 21, as shown in FIG. 1. The mid-coil 70 can be coextensive with one or more sections of the delivery guidewire 21. For example, the mid-coil 70 could be coextensive with only the second section 24 of the delivery guidewire 21 or it could extend along portions of both the third section 26 and the second section 24 of the delivery guidewire 21.

The mid-coil 70 provides the guidewire assembly 20 with an outwardly extending surface that is sized to contact the inner surface of the occluding device 100 in order to assist in supporting the occluding device and maintaining the occluding device 100 in a ready to deploy state. Like the other coils discussed herein and illustrated in the figures, the coiled form of the mid-coil 70 permits the mid-coil 70 to flex with the delivery guidewire 21 as the delivery guidewire 21 is advanced through the vasculature of the patient. The mid-coil 70 provides a constant diameter along a length of the delivery guidewire 21 that is covered by the occluding device 100 regardless of the taper of the delivery guidewire 21 beneath the occluding device 100. The mid-coil 70 permits the delivery guidewire 21 to be tapered so it can achieve the needed flexibility to follow the path of the vasculature without compromising the support provided to the occluding device 100. The mid-coil 70 provides the occluding device 100 with constant support regardless of the taper of the delivery guidewire 21 prior to the occluding device 100 being deployed. The smallest diameter of the occluding device 100 when in its compressed state is also controlled by the size of the mid-coil 70. Additionally, the diameter of the mid-coil 70 can be chosen so that the proper spacing, including no spacing, is established between the occluding device 100 and the inner wall of the micro-catheter 1 prior to deployment of the occluding device 100. The mid-coil 70 can also be used to bias the occluding device 100 away from the delivery guidewire 21 during its deployment.

In either embodiment, the support 70 can have an outer diameter D₃ of about 0.010 inch to about 0.018 inch. In an embodiment, the outer diameter D₃ is about 0.014 inch. The support 70 can also have a length L₃ of about 2.0 cm to about 30 cm. In an embodiment, the length L₃ of the support 70 is about 7 cm.

The occluding device 100 may also be placed on the mid-coil 70 between an optional pair of radio-opaque marker bands located along the length of the guidewire assembly 20. Alternatively, the protective coil 35, bumper coil 60 and or mid-coil 70 can include radio-opaque markers. In an alternative embodiment, the guidewire assembly 20 may include only a single radio-opaque marker. The use of radio-opaque markers allows for the visualization of the guidewire assembly 20 and the occluding device 100 during placement within the vasculature. Such visualization techniques may include conventional methods such as fluoroscopy, radiography, ultra-sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc.

The occluding device 100 can be delivered and deployed at the site of an aneurysm according to the following method and variations thereof. The delivery of the occluding device 100 includes introducing the micro-catheter 1 into the vasculature until it reaches a site that requires treatment. The micro-catheter 1 is introduced into the vasculature using a conventional technique such as being advanced over or simultaneously with a conventional vascular guidewire (not shown). The positioning of the micro-catheter 1 can occur before it receives the guidewire assembly 20 or while it contains the guidewire assembly 20. The position of the micro-catheter 1 within the vasculature can be determined by identifying radio-opaque markers positioned on or in the micro-catheter 1.

After the micro-catheter 1 is positioned at the desired location, the guidewire is removed and the distal end of the introducer sheath 10 is inserted into the proximal end of the micro-catheter 1, as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the distal end of the introducer sheath 10 is introduced through the hub 2 at the proximal end of the micro-catheter 1. The introducer sheath 10 is advanced within the micro-catheter 1 until a distal tip of the introducer sheath 10 is wedged within the micro-catheter 1. At this position, the introducer sheath 10 cannot be advanced further within the micro-catheter 1. The introducer sheath 10 is then securely held while the delivery guidewire assembly 20 carrying the occluding device 100 is advanced through the introducer sheath 10 until the occluding device 100 is advanced out of the introducer sheath 10 and into the micro-catheter 1.

The guidewire assembly 20 and the occluding device 100 are advanced through the micro-catheter 1 until the tip coil 29 is proximate the distal end of the micro-catheter 1. At this point, the position of the micro-catheter 1 and guidewire assembly 20 can be confirmed. The guidewire assembly 20 is then advanced out of the micro-catheter 1 and into the vasculature of the patient so that the proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 is positioned outside the distal end of the micro-catheter 1 and adjacent the area to be treated. At any point during these steps, the position of the occluding device 100 can be checked to determine that it will be deployed correctly and at the desired location. This can be accomplished by using the radio-opaque markers discussed above.

When the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 is positioned outside the micro-catheter 1, the proximal end 107 will begin to expand, in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 7, within the vasculature while the distal end 102 remains covered by the protective coil 35. When the occluding device 100 is in the proper position, the delivery guidewire 21 is rotated (See FIG. 8) until the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 moves away from the protective coil 35 and expands within the vasculature at the desired location. The delivery guidewire 21 can be rotated either clockwise or counter clockwise as needed to deploy the occluding device 100. In an embodiment, the delivery guidewire 21 may be rotated, for example, between two and ten turns in either or both directions. In another example, the occluding device may be deployed by rotating the delivery guidewire 21 clockwise for less than five turns, for example, three to five turns. After the occluding device 100 has been deployed, the delivery guidewire 21 can be retracted into the micro-catheter 100 and removed form the body.

In one alternative or additional deployment method, the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 may be passed outside of the micro-catheter 1. The occluding device 100 may be further advanced so that the proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 passes outside of the micro-catheter. However, in this example, the proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 expands responsive to the application of pressure to the inner surfaces of the occluding device 100. The applied pressure may be from any source. Examples of pressure exerted in the occluding device 100 include, but are not limited to, infusion of fluid or air into the lumen of the occluding device.

The increase in pressure in the occluding device may cause the occluding device 100 to expand. Expansion of the occluding device 100 may cause a disconnection of the proximal end 107 of the occluding device 100 and/or the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100 such that the occluding device may substantially fill the lumen of the vessel. Alternatively, the increase in pressure in the occluding device may expand the occluding device 100 without detachment of either the proximal end 107 or the distal end 102 of the occluding device 100. In this example, the occluding device 100 may be expanded without detaching the occluding device 100 from the delivery system. The expanded occluding device 100 may be adjusted and moved within the vessel in the expanded state while connected to the delivery system. When the occluding device 100 is at a desired location in the vessel, the occluding device 100 may be released from the delivery system. Release of the occluding device 100 from the delivery system may be accomplished in a variety of ways as described herein.

In addition, the coverage of the occluding device 100 may be adjusted while the occluding device is expanded and connected to the delivery system. For example, the occluding device 100 may be unsheathed from the micro-catheter 1 and expanded under pressure (e.g., from fluid or air) such that the occluding device 100 is expanded in the vessel. The position of the occluding device 100 may be further adjusted. Also, the pressure applied within the occluding device 100 may be adjusted to increase the size of the expanded occluding device 100 in the vessel. Relative adjustments of the size of the expanded occluding device 100 (i.e., by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the occluding device 100) and of the position or location of the occluding device 100 permit control of coverage of the occluding device when placed in the vessel.

Also, a negative pressure may be applied (e.g., air suction or removal of fluid from within the occluding device 100) to cause the occluding device to retract. The retracted occluding device 100 may further be placed back into the micro-catheter 1. In one example, the occluding device 100 may be expanded and retracted as desired for movement or placement of the occluding device 100 within the vessel.

In an alternative or additional deployment step shown in FIG. 9, friction between the occluding device 100 and inner surface of the micro-catheter 1 cause the distal end of the occluding device 100 to separate from the protective coil 35. The friction can be created by the opening of the occluding device 100 and/or the mid-coil 70 biasing the occluding device 100 toward the inner surface of the micro-catheter 1. The friction between the micro-catheter 1 and the occluding device 100 will assist in the deployment of the occluding device 100. In those instances when the occluding device 100 does not open and separate from the protective coil 35 during deployment, the friction between occluding device 100 and the inner surface of the micro-catheter 1 will cause the occluding device 100 to move away from the protective coil 35 as the delivery guidewire 21 and the micro-catheter 1 move relative to each other. The delivery guidewire 21 can then be rotated and the occluding device 100 deployed within the vessel.

After the occluding device 100 radially self-expands into gentle, but secure, contact with the walls of the vessel so as to occlude the neck of the aneurysm A, the micro-catheter 1 may be removed entirely from the body of the patient. Alternatively, the micro-catheter 1 may be left in position within vasculature to allow for the insertion of additional tools or the application of drugs near the treatment site.

Known materials can be used in the present invention. One common material that can be used with the occluding device 100 and the guidewire 21 is Nitinol, a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, which can be formed and annealed, deformed at a low temperature, and recalled to its original shape with heating, such as when deployed at body temperature in the body. The radio-opaque markers can be formed of radio-opaque materials including metals, such as platinum, or doped plastics including bismuth or tungsten to aid in visualization.

The apparatus and methods discussed herein are not limited to the deployment and use within the vascular system but may include any number of further treatment applications. Other treatment sites may include areas or regions of the body such as organ bodies. Modification of each of the above-described apparatus and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, no element, component or method step is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method for introducing a stent within a vessel, said method comprising: introducing a delivery assembly into a catheter, the delivery assembly comprising (i) an elongate flexible member; and (ii) a retaining member having an inner lumen that extends around a circumference of a distal portion of the elongate member, the lumen receiving a first end of the stent to secure a portion of the stent in the retaining member; positioning an end of the catheter proximate an aneurysm; advancing at least a portion of the delivery assembly out of the catheter; expanding at least a portion of the stent by applying a force against an internal portion of the stent; rotating the retaining member relative to the stent, whereby the first end moves proximally relative to the retaining member and is released from within the lumen.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the force comprises a pressure that is applied as the delivery assembly is advanced out of said catheter.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the force comprises a pressure that is applied via the catheter.
 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the stent is a self-expanding device.
 24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the retaining member comprises a protective coil.
 25. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first end of the stent is biased radially outwardly against the retaining member.
 26. A method for positioning a self-expanding stent at a treatment site in a vessel, the method comprising: introducing a catheter into the vessel; advancing at least a portion of a delivery assembly out of a distal end of the catheter, the delivery assembly comprising an elongate flexible member and a retaining member at a distal end of the elongate flexible member, the retaining member receiving a first end of the self-expanding stent, the stent being concentrically constrained within the retaining member and configured to radially expand against an internal surface of a lumen of the retaining member; expanding a distal portion of the stent against a vessel wall; advancing the stent, after expanding the distal end, in a distal direction in the vessel by applying a force at a proximal portion of the stent; and rotating the delivery assembly to release the first end of the stent from the retaining member by moving the first end proximally relative to the retaining member.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the force exceeds a frictional force between the distal portion of the stent and the vessel wall.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the frictional force between the distal portion of the stent and the vessel wall prevents immediate movement of the distal portion of the stent.
 29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the retaining member comprises a protective coil, and the stent first end is received within an interior of the protective coil.
 30. The method according to claim 26, further comprising holding the catheter stationary while rotating the delivery assembly.
 31. A method for delivering a self-expanding device in a body lumen, the method comprising: introducing a delivery assembly into an introducer sheath, the delivery assembly comprising an elongate flexible member and a retaining member, having a lumen, positioned at a distal portion of the delivery assembly, the elongate flexible member extending through the retaining member lumen, the retaining member lumen receiving a first end of the self-expanding device, the self-expanding device being biased radially outward against an internal surface of the retaining member; advancing the delivery assembly through the introducer sheath and into a catheter; radially collapsing at least a portion of the self-expanding device by applying a negative pressure to an internal portion of the self-expanding device; advancing at least a portion of the delivery assembly out of a distal end of the catheter such that the retaining member and at least a portion of the self-expanding device extends distally of the distal end of the catheter; and rotating the delivery assembly, whereby the first end moves proximally relative to the retaining member and releases the first end from within the retaining member.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising, after radially collapsing the at least a portion of the self-expanding device, withdrawing the self-expanding device into the catheter.
 33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the retaining member comprises a protective coil and the self-expanding device is received within an interior of the protective coil.
 34. The method according to claim 31, further comprising inserting a distal end of the introducer sheath into a proximal end of the catheter, and removing the introducer sheath from the catheter after advancing the delivery assembly through the introducer sheath into the catheter.
 35. A system for introducing a stent within a vessel, said system comprising: a delivery assembly comprising (i) an elongate flexible member; and (ii) a retaining member, at a distal portion of the elongate member, having an inner lumen that extends around a portion of the elongate member, the lumen receiving a first end of the stent to secure a portion of the stent in the retaining member; and a catheter configured to radially expand or radially collapse at least a portion of the stern by applying a pressure against an internal portion of the stent; wherein said retaining member is rotatable relative to the stent, and wherein rotation of the retaining member moves the first end to proximally relative to the retaining member, such that the first end is released from within the lumen.
 36. The system according to claim 35, wherein the pressure is a negative pressure.
 37. The system according to claim 35, wherein the stent is a self-expanding device.
 38. The system according to claim 35, wherein the retaining member comprises a protective coil.
 39. The system according to claim 35, wherein the first end of the stent is biased radially outwardly against an internal surface of the retaining member. 